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Fasting for better health

Mind, body, spirit

Fasting has long been carried out by religious communities as a way to purify the body, mind and soul.

For Muslims, the month of Ramadan is dedicated to fasting from dawn to dusk. This goes hand in hand with a commitment to behave with kindness and generosity, giving to charity and sharing meals with others at night. It is a time for reflection, humility and resolve.

Christians too observe the tradition of Lent, where fasting, almsgiving and prayer are practised for the forty days before Easter. Fasting during this period traditionally involves omitting meat, fish, dairy and eggs from the diet, as well as certain luxuries.

Mormons fast for two meals on the first Sunday of each month and donate the money they would have spent on their food to the needy.

The 5:2 fast

Recently there has been an increased interest in fasting among the wider population, particularly what is known as the 5:2 diet, or intermittent fasting. On two non-consecutive days in any week,

men should consume no more than 600 calories a day, or 500 for women. For the remaining five days, you return to your usual diet.

Regular short periods of careful fasting are believed to have benefits for health including weight loss and lower cholesterol, with less chance of developing diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, therefore increasing life expectancy.

It is thought that without the usual levels of food intake the body switches its focus from growth to repair.

However, fasting is not suitable for everyone. It is advisable to check with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or calorie intake, particularly if you are pregnant or have an existing medical condition.

What to eat and drink

Some say it works better for them if they have a good breakfast on the two calorie-restricted days, while others prefer to save the majority of their calories until the evening.

On fast days, food should be wholesome and nourishing - think wholegrains, pulses, fresh fruit and vegetables. Perhaps try BioSnacky's Sprouting Detox Mix . Many like to cut out meat, dairy, sugar and caffeine too, while increasingraw and superfoods.